News

There has been much in the news recently about influenza and concerns about the potential of a flu pandemic. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. The best way to prevent it is to get a flu vaccination each fall.

Every year in the United States, on average:

5% to 20% of the population gets the flu

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications

About 36,000 people die from flu

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Complications of flu can include pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.

Flu viruses are spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

A flu pandemic is an outbreak of a “new” influenza virus that spreads rapidly around the world. It is a more serious infection for everyone and people at every age are at risk.

Historically, the 20th century saw 3 pandemics of influenza:

1918: at least 500,000 U.S. deaths and up to 40 million deaths worldwide

1957: at least 70,000 U.S. deaths and 1-2 million deaths worldwide

1968: caused about 34,000 U.S. deaths and 700,000 deaths worldwide

What is the Avian flu:

Influenza viruses that infect primarily birds are called “Avian influenza virus.” Currently, the Avian flu (H5N1) virus is spreading among poultry (mainly chickens) in Asia and Europe. H5N1 virus does not usually infect people, but more than 130 human cases have been reported since January 2004. Most of these people had direct or close contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces; however, a few cases of human-to-human spread of H5N1 have occurred.

So far, the spread of H5N1 virus from person to person has been rare and has not continued beyond one person. Nonetheless, because all flu viruses can change, scientists are concerned that H5N1 one day could be able to infect humans and spread easily from one person to another.

No one can predict when a pandemic might occur. However, experts from around the world are watching the H5N1 situation in Asia and Europe very closely and are preparing for the possibility that the virus may begin to spread more easily and widely from person to person.

The following are measures currently underway to be prepared:

Poultry is being monitored

Pharmacies are stock piling (increasing stock of antivirals)

Labs are being trained to test for virus

New vaccine is being developed

University Health System and the San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department are following CDC guidelines and providing local surveillance for flu infections, so the community can be informed of outbreaks.

Don't forget Tradition's Grand Opening in the Ventura Plaza on Thursday and Friday! Hor d'ouevres and beverages will be provide by Silo Restuarant and Bar between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Each guest recieves a $20 gift certificate from Silo's! Also, pick up your free Style Sack filled with designer goodies, all throughout the day, just for visiting Traditions! It's going to be great fun! Bring a friend and don't forget to tell them Stone Oak Info.com sent you!

Traditions is located in the new Ventura Plaza on Hwy 1604, between Blanco and Stone Oak Pkwy.

The Ronald Reagan High School Marching Band has recently been named as a recipient for the Sudler Shield Award, given each year to high school marching bands in recognition of the highest standards of musical performance and marching techniques over a period of years.The John Phillips Sousa Foundation is the proud sponsor of this International Award.

The Reagan Band was selected by the Shield committee during its annual December meeting in Chicago, Illinois.The committee largely consists of university band directors from across the United States and Canada.Video performances from throughout the United States, Canada and Europe were judged in the competition.

As many members of the Stone Oak community already know, the Mays Family YMCA has temporarily closed its doors to build a bigger and better YMCA! The YMCA location will remain at 21654 Blanco Road and the sports facilities and programs will remain intact.

The construction on the new Mays Family YMCA was begun in early September and is scheduled to be completed in December, 2006. The new facility will open on January 1, 2007 and will contain a 4000 sqft. fitness center including free weights and Precor cardio and strength training equipment. The YMCA will also have men's and women's locker rooms, an aerobics studio with classes, and Child Watch area serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 months.

The Ronald Reagan High School Marching Band will be competing in Houston this weekend for the Bands of America Houston competition. They will be performing their competitive show, "Transitions" for a chance to win another BOA competition. The Reagan Band is a nationally recognized award winning band. In addition to winning individual competitions, they are also the recipient of the Sudler Award, given to one band a year by the John Philip Sousa Foundation to recognize a high school band with "exceptional merit." This prestigious award was announced a

Stone Oak Info.com welcomes Charter 100 member Mays Family YMCA ! Located just off Blanco Road, the Mays Family YMCA builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Visit their site on Stone Oak Info. com to learn more about the opportunities for your family and the new YMCA Wellness Center!